The cognitive abilities of companion animals include learning, memory, attention and communication and, as in
humans, can profoundly affect their quality of life. In young animals, cognitive assessment procedures can be used
to predict success of dogs used in high level training programs. Cognitive assessment is particularly important in
evaluating older animals. Aged dogs and cats are prone to develop a form of dementia, cognitive dysfunction
syndrome, which includes, but is not limited to, impaired cognitive skills.